NATO is “considering” contributing to securing the Strait of Hormuz

The Supreme Allied Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced on Tuesday that he is “studying” ways for the alliance to contribute to ensuring the protection of the Strait of Hormuz, but without any formal plans yet to begin.

US General Alexus Grynkiewicz, the Supreme Commander of NATO forces in Europe, told reporters, “Am I thinking about it? Sure. But there are no plans yet until a political decision is made.”

US President Donald Trump criticized Washington’s European allies in NATO over their response to his war on Iran, which led to the closure of the vital waterway.

European countries, led by Britain and France, are seeking to develop a possible plan for ways to contribute to keeping the strait open if the war ends.

So far, NATO, led by the United States, has avoided any direct intervention in the conflict despite pressure from Trump.

“Every country is considering its response, and many of them, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, have sent ships to the region,” Grynkewich said.

He added, “We all agree that ensuring freedom of navigation in international waters is in our interest.”

European diplomats in NATO reduced the possibility that the alliance would play a major role in the Strait of Hormuz due to internal divisions.

But they say the alliance may participate in one way or another in any future operations led by France or Britain if they materialize.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz had major repercussions on global energy prices, and began to negatively affect European economies.